At first glance, the name “Pella plastic boat” may seem like an oxymoron or a novice mistake, but in the environment of water engines, this term has taken root. aluminum-magnesium alloyHowever, it was the smooth, streamlined shape of its body, devoid of the pronounced angular translance of early models, visually and tactilely reminded owners of fiberglass analogs, hence the popular name.
Today, interest in this model has flared up with renewed vigor, especially in the context of finding reliable alternatives to expensive imported PVC composites and fragile plastics. Pella It remains one of the few mass vessels capable of withstanding severe exploitation in shallow waters, impacts on ice and rocky shores, making it a popular choice even decades after the cessation of main production.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why an aluminum boat is called plastic, consider the real technical specifications, hidden shortcomings of the AMG alloy and conduct an honest analysis of the performance. You will learn whether to look for a “live” specimen on the secondary market or better pay attention to modern analogues, and how to properly prepare the vessel for the season.
The origin of the myth of plastic
The phenomenon of renaming the material of the case is a unique for its time production technology. argon-arc weldingThe seams were created almost invisible against the overall silhouette of the side, unlike the Kazanka, with its characteristic ribs and riveted joints, the side of the boat was designed to be a very small one. Pellas They seemed monolithic.
In addition, the surface of aluminum was often painted in light, pastel colors (blue, light gray), which visually brought them closer to the cheap fiberglass of the 80s. Many fishermen, without delving into metallurgy, simply called any smooth boat “plastic”, as opposed to “iron” like “Obi” or “Crimea”.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat, do not blindly believe the seller’s assurances about a “stainless” or “composite” hull. Pella It is always aluminum, and it is subject to electrochemical corrosion when used improperly.
It's important to understand that the name confusion played a cruel joke with the repairability: owners who thought they had "plastic" tried to fill holes with epoxy resins designed for fiberglass, which in the case of aluminum alloy AMG gave only a temporary effect.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
Constructively Pella This is a flat-bottomed, squirted vessel with moderate bottom keeliness in the midfield, and it was not chosen by chance, because it provided stability in the parking lot and good germination on the wave when moving. AMG5M, which is characterized by high plasticity and corrosion resistance, but requires careful handling during welding.
The boat's dimensions allow two adults to comfortably sit on board, and if necessary three adults, and the width of the cheekbones provides good stability, which is critical for fishing with tackles or the installation of a sonar. forepicIt served as both a floating box and an element of unsinkability.
Secrets of alloy marking
You can often find a label with numbers on the bottom or transom, and if it says AMG5, it means that the sheet has been hardened and aging, which makes it stronger than normal aluminum, but harder to solder without a special flux.
The transom board in classical models was removable or reinforced, designed for engines with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp However, many owners forced this parameter, installing more powerful engines, which led to deformation of the stern and transom over time.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4.20m | Excluding the timbers |
| largest width | 1.50 m | In cheekbones |
| Height of board | 0.50 m | Midle. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including crew and engine |
| Hull mass | 70-80 kg | Depends on the configuration. |
It is worth noting that the weight of 70-80 kilograms for a boat of this size is quite large, transporting on the roof of a passenger car will require a reliable expeditionary luggage system and the physical strength of assistants.
Driving and handling
How he behaves. Pella It's a question that divides the owners into two camps, and on the one hand, the boat has a great deal of water. resilienceIt's not as rolling as the narrow-hull Kazankas, and allows you to fish standing up without fear of a sharp roll. The flat bottom in the nose provides a soft entrance to the water, although it creates a characteristic slap on the wave.
On the other hand, the (flat bottom) dictates its limitations: at high speed in lateral winds, the boat can start to prowl, requiring constant supervision from the steering wheel, plane is possible, but only with proper loading and the presence of a motor of at least 8 hp with a long leg.
- 🚤 Floating: Even with a full load and two passengers, the boat maintains a high side above the water.
- 🌊 Sprouting on a wave: Satisfactory for reservoirs and large lakes, but not recommended for open sea surf.
- ⚓ Drift: Due to the flat bottom, the boat drifts strongly in the wind, unless you use an anchor-cat or floating anchor.
And the way you manage it depends on the bottom, and if you've had aluminum sheets over the years, you can start to drive them away with a screw or a blow, and the boat can start to take them away even straight. critical safety and comfort.
Modifications: Pella, Pella-Fiord and others
Over the years, the plant has produced several modifications that vary significantly in their properties. PellaIt had the simplest design. Later came the version. Pella-Fiord, which received sharper contours of the nose and a strengthened transom.
Fiord was designed as a more seaworthy version, more comfortable with chop, with a modified zygomatic curve geometry that improved wave germination, but slightly reduced stability in quiet water compared to the classics, and also a factory awning and windshield.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Pella with the Pella-M. These are different projects, although they're from the same factory. The M version has changed the shape of the feed and the location of the cans.
There are also artisanal reworks, where owners independently lengthened the hull or changed the shape of the transom under a specific engine. buying a used boat, always check the actual dimensions with data-sheet figures, since “kolkhoz tuning” could significantly change the weight of the vessel.
Repair and maintenance of the aluminum case
The main enemy of any aluminum boat is not rust in the usual sense, but rather the rust. electrochemicalIf you keep the boat on the water constantly, especially in salty or polluted environments, without zinc protection (protective anode protection), the hull can get through damage in one season.
Repairing holes in an AMG alloy requires skill. Conventional welding can cause metal burnout and microcracks in the heat zone. Often, for small cracks, special two-component formulations based on aluminum powdered epoxy resins are used, but this is only a temporary measure before professional repair.
☑️ Annual maintenance of the boat
For painting, you need to use specialized soils for non-ferrous metals. Conventional nitro-enamel or iron paint on aluminum will not last long and will begin to climb in layers after a month of active operation.
Tuning and modernization of Pella
Older boat owners often resort to retrofitting to breathe life into them. pump-operate Or remotely controlled, if the transom design permits, and they often change wooden cans for lightweight aluminum seats with soft linings.
An important element of modernization is the installation of inflatable balloons-boards (BB), which are attached to the perimeter of the boat and perform two functions: increase the height of the board, protect against splashes, and serve as additional insurance against unsinkability. Pellas This is especially true because of the relatively low side of 50 cm.
When installing inflatable sides on Pella, use special liner tensioners so that the cylinders do not rub against the cheekbones on the wave and do not rub.
Some enthusiasts install sonars, GPS navigators, and even small solar panels to recharge batteries, but it's important to remember the weight load: every extra kilogram on the nose or stern affects differentiation and therefore performance.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
In today's market Pella It competes with Kazanka-M, Ob, Salute and various PVC models. Unlike PVC, aluminum is not afraid of sparks, sharp objects and dog claws. However, PVC wins in weight and compact storage.
Compared to Kazanka, Pella is more comfortable for two, but inferior in carrying capacity to the larger Obi. Pella's main trump card is a combination of price (on the secondary market) and reliability, if the body was not killed by the previous owner.
- 🏆 Pros: Durability, maintainability, is not afraid of cuts, good stability.
- 📉 Cons: Large weight, noise on the water, the need for protection against corrosion, the complexity of transportation on a passenger car.
- 💰 Price: In the secondary market varies from 15 to 40 thousand rubles, depending on the state.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check the boat for metal fatigue. Knock on the sides: a deaf sound may indicate metal stratification or hidden cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 15-hp engine on Pella?
Technically, it is possible, but this exceeds the passport recommendation for most models, leading to rapid wear of the transom, increased fuel consumption and the risk of loss of control on the wave, a safe limit of 10-12 hp.
How to fix the leak in the aluminum case?
For temporary repairs, cold welding for aluminum or epoxy adhesive with aluminum shavings is suitable. For major repairs, argon welding by a qualified specialist with cleaning the edges is necessary.
Should I paint Pella inside?
You don't have to paint inside if you're comfortable with the appearance of aluminum, but treatment with special compounds (like Zinkor or analogues) will prolong the life of the metal and prevent oxidation, and the main thing is to degrease the surface before applying.
What is Pella's real payload?
Passport capacity is 400 kg. That means the weight of the boat, the engine, the fuel, the equipment and the people. Two people (about 160-180 kg) with a small load really feel comfortable. A third person will make the boat roll and low seat.
The Pella Plastic Boat is the popular name for a reliable aluminum vessel that, if properly maintained, will last decades, remaining a great workhorse for fishing and recreation.